YES Keyboard Legend Tony Kaye To Release Solo Album “End Of Innocence” - Out September 10, 2021!

20th July 2021: Keyboard legend Tony Kaye announces the release of his debut solo album “End Of Innocence,” on 10th September 2021 on Spirit Of Unicorn Music (distributed via Cherry Red Records) to mark the 20th anniversary of 9/11.   

Having retired from music in 1996, Kaye was moved, by the events of 11th September 2001, to commit his thoughts and feelings to a heartfelt personal musical interpretation.

“End Of Innocence” is a requiem for those who lost their lives and all those touched by the horrific events of 9/11. Primarily orchestral, “End Of Innocence” is a powerful and emotional suite that is both beautiful and sinister, reflecting the dark forces at work that day. It guides the listener through the day and touches on the response, to reach a hope that peace and calm may prevail.

As did many millions, Kaye watched the horrors of 9/11 unfold on his TV screen. “The next day I unpacked my keyboards for the first time in a long time,” Kaye recalls. “I didn’t know what I was going to do. It was one of those things that happened, inspiration on a musical level.”

The suite begins the night before 9/11 but, as Kaye’s wife Dani Torchia sings an innocent lullaby, menacing storms are gathering. The beautiful “9/11 Overture” was the first piece Kaye composed, the following day. “I had no recording equipment, just an 8-track cassette recorder and some of those recordings became what you hear now.”

Kaye continues to create vivid images of New York City life and a vibrancy around The World Trade Centre (285 Fulton Street) before the terror begins and captures the fears of those on the planes, “Flight 11” depicting the conversations stewardesses had with the tower. The track includes a powerful drum solo by Kaye’s friend Jay Schellen (CIRCA, YES) reflecting the struggles onboard.

Following the collapse of the towers, Dani Torchia sings her lament “Sweetest Dreams” and the album looks at the “Aftermath” and the “Heroes” before focusing on the response. “I wanted it, musically, to be about that day,” Kaye says, “but I felt compelled to extend it to deal with the repercussions of what happened. Musically, it was quite challenging to do the battle scene and then the 'Hope And Triumph,' a patriotic anthem and the consequences of war. 'Ground Zero' is the hope for the future, the rebuilding.”

The artwork for the album has been created by Roger Dean, known for his work with YES and ASIA, powerful imagery reflecting the journey the music takes.

“End Of Innocence” Track Listing:
1. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star/Twilight Time
2. 911 Overture
3. NYC Blues
4. Battle Cry
5. 285 Fulton Street
6. Let’s Roll
7. Tug of War
8. Flight 11
9. Towers Fall
10. Sweetest Dreams
11. Aftermath
12. Heroes
13. The Battle
14. Hope and Triumph
15. Homecoming
16. Ground Zero

Produced by Tony Kaye

All tracks composed by Tony Kaye except “Sweetest Dreams” by Dani Torchia.

Tony Kaye, Spirit of Unicorn Music and Cherry Red Records are donating 10% of all profits from “End of Innocence” to https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/ The charity supports veterans, defenders and first responders in times of hardship.

About Tony Kaye
Tony Kaye is best known as the original keyboard player with prog legends YES, his Hammond organ giving their groundbreaking “The YES Album” it’s most distinctive sound within the YES catalogue. Following his departure from YES in 1971 Kaye was involved with a number of other bands including David Bowie, Badger, Flash and Badfinger before returning to YES for their greatest commercial success “90125” in 1983. Kaye remained with YES for several albums and tours before retiring from the music business in 1996.  

Following the re-awakening of his musical inspiration in 2001, Kaye accepted an invitation from current YES bassist Billy Sherwood to work on projects which led to the formation of CIRCA, in 2007, and has yielded four albums to date.

Tony Kaye – “End of Innocence”
Released on 10th September  through Spirit of Unicorn Music Formats: Standard CD Jewel case

Pre-order here: https://www.cherryred.co.uk/product/tony-kaye-end-of-innocence/
www.yesworld.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Italian Composer, Multi-instrumentalist & Visual Artist Giancarlo Erra Returns With Spellbinding New Album “Departure Tapes”

First single & video for track “Departure Tape” premiered

UK based Italian composer, multi-instrumentalist and visual artist Giancarlo Erra will release his new album “Departure Tapes” on July 2, 2021 through Kscope.

“Departure Tapes” is an album consisting of 6 contemplative recordings, written while travelling between the UK and Italy. The majority of these 6 tracks were improvised in the studio by Erra, so for the most part, are totally unique and hold a sincerity which cannot be replicated. It is the follow up to 2019’s acclaimed album “Ends I-VII”, with the new recordings reflecting what has been an extremely difficult year for Giancarlo, with the loss of his father to cancer. Erra comments “In 2019 my first solo album was just being released, and I already had the view that I wanted to be more experimental with the second one, but no precise idea how at that point. Then my father suddenly got ill with cancer, and everything changed.”

Erra, having had a fractured and conflicted relationship with his father since his early teenage years found a way to turn this distressing time into a cathartic experience, “He left when I was 14 and since then he wasn't really part of my life. Then I received the news of his terminal illness and somehow, I found myself in a situation where I was taking care of this man, someone who I have been distanced from for so long.  During this period, I realized it had become a time for both of us to come to terms with many things. I wanted to get closure, but a positive one, for him and for me, and I think he was the same even though he maybe didn't know it; this was hard but at the same time 'healing' and in a painful twist, it was possibly the most close and positive few months I had with him since I was a small child.” He explains the influence this had on him creatively “It's the first album I have created without realizing I was actually writing it, as it is so intrinsically linked to one of the hardest and yet more healing parts of my life. The end result is the most experimental, and at times, the darkest material I have ever written, without compromise or set plan. It contains all the elements of my music in a very unconscious free flowing way.”

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR THE NEW SINGLE “DEPARTURE TAPE” HERE

The first single to be taken from the new album is the extremely poignant and personal “Departure Tape” with the video dedicated to Erra’s father, he explains “This track was written I think when I came back from my first visit to Italy to see my father after he had been diagnosed. It really just began as a live experiment - born and finished within one afternoon. I remember I didn't really want to do anything; I was exhausted and down, but then, when I started playing the track took shape. I discovered there was much more going on inside my head that needed to be faced. For me, music has always been the only way I can do that, and from this introspection ‘Departure Tape’ was born. It's almost like a free subconscious stream of thoughts and feelings while recording everything that was happening.”

Giancarlo Erra began his musical career in 2005 with one man studio project Nosound. 2008 saw him signing with Kscope and released a string of albums under the Nosound banner before recording his debut solo “Ends I-VII”. “Departure Tapes” sees Erra play and record every instrument himself along with taking on full production responsibilities at his own studio (https://widescreen.studio).
Max Richter, Olafur Arnalds, Nils Frahm and the more electronic / ambient recordings of Brian Eno may offer a reference point by which to enter Erra’s world, but the depth within his recordings is truly original.

“Departure Tapes” track list:

1. Dawn Tape [06:15]
2. Previous Tape [01:48]
3. 169th Tape [02:51]
4. Unwound Tape [08:24]
5. Departure Tape [16:51]
6. A Blues For My Father [07:31]

“Departure Tapes” will be released on the following formats and is available to pre-order HERE (https://GiancarloErra.lnk.to/DepartureTapes)
• A gatefold LP on oxblood coloured 180g vinyl
• 2-disc CD/DVD with the DVD-A/V including high resolution stereo & 5.1 mix:
DVD-V: stereo 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround, DTS 96/24 5.1 Surround and DVD-A: 5.1 Surround 24/48 LPCM lossless mixes
• Digitally (with digital pre-orders receiving the single “Departure Tape” as an instant download from 22nd April)

Follow Giancarlo Erra:
https://facebook.com/giancarloerramusic
https://twitter.com/giancarloerra
https://www.instagram.com/giancarloerra/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8aXOIiw7HiVfCdZ6r66bKA
https://soundcloud.com/giancarloerra

All artist photography by Caroline Traitler www.carolinetraitler.net
Album artwork by Giancarlo Erra

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Slightly Stoopid’s Drummer RYMO Releases New Solo Album “Kinetic” Out Now!

WITH FEATURED GUESTS TONY LEVIN, MARTY SCHWARTZ, PAUL WOLSTENCROFT, TOM GRIESGRABER, AND FARZAM SALAMI

Slightly Stoopid drummer Rymo (Ryan Moran) has released his new solo album “Kinetic” out now on all digital platforms here via Controlled Substance Sound Labs. Featured guests include progressive rock legend Tony Levin (Peter Gabriel, ABWH, Pink Floyd, King Crimson), YouTube guitar sensation Marty Schwartz, Tom Griesgraber, Paul Wolstencroft (Slightly Stoopid), and film composer Farzam Salami. The album “Kinetic” arrives on the heels of his two singles “Kinetic” and “Skooby Snax” previously released this Spring.

“‘Kinetic’ represents some of the many influences and musical genres that I enjoy. Most of the songs were written and refined in a studio setting over a period of time. I was fortunate to have a bunch of great guests join me and add their talent to this project.” - Rymo

Rymo’s bandmates from Slightly Stoopid, OG, Dela, Paulie and AG all contributed to the album, playing multiple parts on songs and solos. Farzam Salami contributed tasteful Middle Eastern percussion and stringed instruments on several tracks. Tom Griesgraber helped record, produce, perform and engineer the album. The entire album was recorded at his studio with the exception of a few guest artists that recorded remotely.

“This album is a sonic journey. The music touches down in various sounding regions around the globe and takes the listener on a ride.” - Rymo

KINETIC TRACK LISTING
1. Symmetry 7 (feat. Farzam Salami)
2. Kinetic (feat. Paul Wolstencroft, Tom Griesgraber)
3. Palindrome
4. Spy Theme (feat. Tony Levin)
5. Bembé Rumba
6. Skooby Snax (feat. Marty Schwartz)
7. Mr. Roboto Visits The Outback
8. Nebula
9. Influx (feat. Marty Schwartz)
10. Megalodon
11. Cubism
12. Changó
13. Symmetry 5
14. Hearin’ Everywhere (feat. Paul Wolstencroft)
15. Didg-y-tar (feat. Farzam Salami)
16. Dream Flight

“Kinetic” is available everywhere on all digital platforms here: (https://cssl.fanlink.to/rymo-kinetic)

For more information: https://rymodrums.com/.

photo by Sterling Munksgard

ABOUT RYMO:
Born in San Francisco and raised in San Rafael, Ryan was bitten by the music bug shortly after his 10th birthday. He had two older sisters that provided a wide range of listening opportunities. One sister was full on punk rock and the other, a Deadhead. Sprinkle in generous amounts of 80’s top 40 radio and you have Ryan’s musical recipe. As far as early influences go, Ryan chooses Led Zeppelin and their drummer, John Bonham and Rush’s Neil Peart as particularly influential.

Inspired by his High School music teacher, Mark Peabody, Ryan continued his pursuit of knowledge by earning a scholarship to the Berklee College of Music in 1993 for their 5 week Summer program. There he met musicians from all over the U.S. His continuing education led him to apply to several different colleges, but San Diego State University had all the right factors. Ryan attended SDSU beginning in late 1994 until 2000, when he earned his BA in Music. Since his graduation, he has continued his pursuit of the groove, which has led to involvement in several projects.

Ryan Moran has been a full-time member of the stylistically diverse band, Slightly Stoopid since 2003 and has recorded 7 albums with the band. They have toured internationally, and shared the stage with many legendary artists. Described by themselves as “a fusion of funk, rock, reggae and ska with hip-hop, metal and punk,” Slightly Stoopid gives Ryan a wide palette to paint his percussive contributions. “It’s been an incredible ride…We have done things I could only have dreamed of as a kid.” The band has all types of content on every major social media channel, and has achieved many landmark goals, such as headlining a sold-out show at Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado, 10 years in a row.

In the studio, Moran has contributed to over 40 albums playing drums primarily, but also vibraphone, piano, didgeridoo, and world percussion. He has worked with various producers in a wide range of styles and projects. This has led him to recording studios all across the U.S., from sessions in New York City to Circle House in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, to the legendary Sound City in Hollywood, CA.

In addition to his performing and recording credits Ryan is also an educator, being active in giving lessons as a private teacher both online and in person. His YouTube channel ‘rymostoopid’ has over 60 drum lessons posted and has over a million views. Ryan has also been involved in The Rios Music Project, a private music school in Carlsbad, CA. In the past, he has also taught at the A.R.T.S. music non-profit organization, also in San Diego. He has appeared several times at Notes for Notes music non-profit organization in Nashville, TN and Santa Barbara, CA.

In August of 2015 Moran was featured in DRUM! Magazine and was also included in the book, “Sticks ‘N’ Skins” by Jules Follett.

Some of Rymo’s personal influences include John Bonham, Danny Carey, Dennis Chambers, Vinnie Colaiuta, Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Stewart Copeland, Peter Erskine, David Garibaldi, Neil Peart, Simon Phillips, Thomas Pridgen, Steve Smith, and many more.

Slightly Stoopid has performed live with many guest artists, ranging from Snoop Dogg and Chali 2na to Barrington Levy, Don Carlos and Stephen Marley, to Fishbone’s Angelo Moore and Dumpstaphunk’s Ian and Ivan Neville, to name just a few.

OFFICIAL WEBSITES:
Website: https://rymodrums.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Rymodrums
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RyMo76  
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rymostoopid/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6NZVIVrjl7TLOQ2Ysshc36
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCfrhEdAB9vBmkPOCEOqa71A

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Legendary Violinist Darryl Way to Release “Destinations 2” on Spirit of Unicorn Music, May 28th 2021

“Destinations 2” is a follow up to his critically acclaimed album “Destinations”, which was voted number 3 in Goldmine Magazine’s top 100 albums of 2020. Prog Rock said of this album: “This is ‘Guitar Hero’ as arch-melody maker, putting his chops in service of each song’s mood. This is an artist searching for and finding a fresh way to express his unquestionable talent.”

Talking about his new album Darryl says:

“Like ‘Destinations’, ‘Destinations 2’ sets out to take the listener on a journey to far off and exotic locations, something that in reality is very difficult for us to do at the moment. These tracks are journeys of the mind and are my interpretation of the atmosphere's and music of each different location, from Sun Baked Mexico to Bohemian Budapest.  

Set mostly in a ‘Rock’ format, the tracks are tempered by my new found love of playing the Guitar and my continuing love for playing the Violin. So the pieces themselves lean towards genres where the Guitar and Violin are features of that particular style. However, when the music needs to be more expansive, I have not been able to resist orchestrating it for full orchestra, giving the piece more cinematic depth.

As this music is essentially ‘Program Music’, I've also included in the sleeve notes of this album my descriptions of the pieces. As with works like Vivaldi’s ‘Four Seasons’ and Berlioz’s ‘Symphonie Fantastique’, it's sometimes helpful for the listener to know what the composer’s original intentions were.

Having said that, I’m just as happy for the listener to make up their own stories for the music.

Finally, I hope you enjoy this album as much as I did creating it.”

Darryl Way. 2021

To pre-order Darryl Way’s “Destinations 2”: https://geni.us/DWdestination2

Watch excerpts from Darryl Way's “Destinations 2”: 

Darryl Way’s official website: www.darrylway.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Laura Meade of Prog Ensemble IZZ to Release New Solo Album 'The Most Dangerous Woman in America' on May 21, 2021

Laura Meade’s new studio album, The Most Dangerous Woman in America, due on May 21, 2021 on Doone Records, marks Meade’s follow up to her solo debut, 2018’s Remedium and 2019’s Don’t Panic with New York progressive rock septet IZZ.

The Most Dangerous Woman in America, co-written with IZZ bandmate John Galgano between March and December of 2020, explores the story of a woman whose voice was silenced and whose story was all but forgotten by her own country.

“As we wrote the music and lyrics for this album, John and I realized that the concept and story that inspired us was not just the story of one woman, but also the story of all of those who stay true to themselves regardless of the cost,” says Meade.

“There have been so many people throughout history – many of them women – who stand up for themselves, stand up for what they believe in, and experience great pain and suffering for doing so, their memories and voices lost along the way to gossip and rumor. I hope that this album, in some small way, honors and gives voice to the forgotten.”

From the pulsing forward-momentum of “Leaving” to the majesty of “Iconoclast” to the mystery and passion of “Forgive Me,” The Most Dangerous Woman in America explores the sincerity, emotion, and authenticity that so often lie beyond the gossip and sensationalism of fame and celebrity.

“This album was written to honor the forgotten: those whose stories remain untold, whose lives have been neutralized by those with unchecked power,” says Meade.

Meade’s new album features the songs “Burned at the Stake” and the title track, both available on April 23, 2021 for purchase by pre-ordering the full album at izzmusic.bandcamp.com and for streaming on Spotify.

Meade is joined on the album by IZZ members Tom Galgano (Keyboards, Production), Brian Coralian (V-Drums), John Galgano (Bass).

Laura Meade’s The Most Dangerous Woman in America is available for pre-order now on the IZZ Bandcamp page: izzmusic.bandcamp.com (download) and will be available for streaming on all platforms on May 21, 2021. CD and Vinyl versions of the album are also available for pre-order now.

Watch the video for “Burned at the Stake” here: 

Track Listing:
1.   On the Shores of the Seine
2.   Leaving
3.   Burned at the Stake
4.   Iconoclast
5.   End of the Road in Hollywood
6.   Doesn’t Change a Thing
7.   The Most Dangerous Woman in America
8.   The Shape of Shock
9.   Forgive Me
10. Tell Me, Love

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

For all other inquiries, contact Doone Records at: info@doonerecords.com
izzmusic.bandcamp.com
www.laurameademusic.com
www.facebook.com/laurameademusic
Twitter and Instagram: @laurameademusic

Alberto Rigoni’s “For The Love Of Bass” Features All-Star Bass Player Line-up

Out on April 2nd - preorder available!

Featuring Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius

Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass,” simply put, it’s bass heaven.

After the success of his latest prog rock album “Odd Times,” Italian bassist & composer Alberto Rigoni (BAD As, Natural Born Machine, The Italians, Vivaldi Metal Project), now releases his 10th solo album. As the title suggests, the instrumentation is exclusively electric bass, spanning ambient, fusion, jazz and new age styles.

“It has been really challenging but the special guests contributed some gorgeous playing and we are all proud of the result,” says Alberto. “For The Love of Bass” is an all-star bassists album featuring some of the best players anywhere: Nathan East, Leland Sklar, Michael Manring, Tony Franklin, Doug Wimbish, Adam Nitti, Lars Lehmann, Cody Wright, Mohini Dey, David Pastorius,

Are you ready to face a new bass experience?!

Watch Alberto Rigoni's new video for “Masked Souls” feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring: 

To purchase Alberto Rigoni's “For The Love of Bass” (Digipack CD & Digital): http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com

Other distributors: Disk Union (Japan), MVD (USA), Burning Shed (UK), Plastic Head (UK), Digital Platforms (Apple Music, Spotify etc.)

Tracklist:
1. Drops of Memories (feat. Tony Franklin)
2. In the Loop (feat. David Pastorius)
3. Dreamers (feat. Michael Manring)
4. Alone in the Dark (feat. Doug Wimbish)
5. Paranoia (feat. Cody Wright)
6. The Maze (feat. Mohini Dey)
7. Masked Souls (feat. Nathan East & Michael Manring)
8. Social Distortion (feat. Adam Nitti)
9. Mad World bass cover (feat. Leland Sklar)
10. Killers (feat. Lars Lehmann)
11. Misirlou bass cover (feat. Lars Lehmann)
12. Lost (feat. Adam Nitti)

Biography

Born in 1981, Alberto Rigoni is an Italian bass player and composer, internationally known for his career as a solo artist and as a member of the metal band BAD As, The Italians, Natural Born Machines  Lady & THE BASS,  co-producer of the Vivaldi Metal Project and member of progressive rock band TwinSpirits (no more active).

Between 2008 and 2020 Alberto has released worldwide 9 solo album (Something Different, Rebirth, Three Wise Monkeys, Overloaded, BASSORAMA, Duality, EvoRevolution, Prog Injection, Odd Times), spanning from progressive rock metal to fusion. His albums also featured legendary musicians such as Kevin Moore (ex Dream Theater), Gavin Harrison (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson), Marco Minnemann (the Aristocrats), Göran Edman (ex Yngwie Malmsteen), Michael Manring and many others.

Alberto has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Bass Magazine (Japan), Bass Musician Magazine (USA), Bajos Y Bajistas (Spain), Basistas (Poland), TOP BASS (Poland). Moreover, in March 2015 the prestigious Bass Guitar Magazine (UK) released Alberto’s CD anthology called “Into THE BASS.”

Alberto has also recorded for several international artists such as Italian pop singer Alexia and he is also playing bass for Canadian rock singer and songwriter Kim Bingham (ex-Nelly Furtado) and The Italians, sharing stages with artists such as Alan Parson, Suzanne Vega, Jørn Lande, Paul Gilbert, Vinnie Moore and others.

In 2016 founded a new metal band called BADASS (now called BAD As) which released three albums (More Pain More Gain, Midnight Curse and Crucified Society.

On December 15th 2017, Rigoni together with bassist Jeff Hughell (Six Feet Under) released a new studio project called Bassists Alliance. The first album “Crush” featured top notch bassists such as Michael Manring, Adam Nitti, Steve di Giorgio, Colin Edwin, Mark Mitchell, Scott Reeder, Dmitry Lisenko, Brandino BassMaster, Ryan Martini, Leonid Maksimov, Tony Grey.

In 2019 founded a new AOR band called “Natural Born Machine” featuring famous Pink Cream 69 singer David Readman. Their debut album “Human” was released on February 19th 2021 by Pride and Joy Music.

Currently he is also collaborating with famous producer Hiro Furuya (Elton John, Eric Clapton, etc.) as session bassist.

His tenth album “For The Love of Bass” feat. all star bassists such as Nathan East, Lee Sklar, Michael Manring, Doug Wimbish and many others will be released on April 2nd 2021.

For more information:
http://www.albertorigoni.net
http://www.facebook.com/albertorigonimusic
http://albertorigoni.bandcamp.com
http://www.youtube.com/albertorigoni
http://www.twitter.com/albertorigoni
http://www.vivaldimetalproject.com
http://www.badas.rocks
http://www.theitaliansband.com
http://bassistsallianceproject.bandcamp.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, Billy James, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Estonian Guitarist Robert Jürjendal Releases Fourth Solo Album “Water Finds a Way” on NEWdOG Records

“One can take the album WATER FINDS THE WAY as a coded story. Instrumental music has the power of imagination. It doesn't say directly, the hidden meaning behind the title may be something else. I call this ‘coded.’ It carries a secret which I can't open up to the end. I’m sure that a sensitive listener will find his/her own way into this complex world of music and art.” – Robert Jürjendal, Aaviku Farmstead Studio, Estonia

“Water Finds A Way” continues the colorful guitar/effects-based conception that Jürjendal began with his previous three solo efforts. With rich harmonies and melody lines, his musical language takes influence from the particular guitars and effects he uses. A graduate of Robert Fripp’s Crafty Guitar School, Jürjendal became a member of Toyah Wilcox’s band as well.

On the new album, Robert plays his new custom-built electric guitar - a fully equipped system containing a Sustainer pickup which gives a life for the long-sustained notes. Using a guitar synth (though it's hard to recognize) mixed with natural guitar sounds creating a unique hybrid.  

Robert’s previous release, “Simple Past” (Strangiato Records, 2016) was more rock-oriented, featuring one of the best Estonian drummers, Andrus Lillepea. “On Water Finds A Way” Robert doesn't use drums, except some percussion played /programmed by himself. WFAW is also a “family-affair,” as Robert’s wife, Signe, joins him for background vocals and there are beautiful themes and improvisations played on cello by Robert's son Anti Jürjendal.

For the first time on one of his solo albums, Jürjendal requested a track from an outside composer, Venezuelan synthesist Miguel Noya. Noya contributes Grey and Blue. The two had previously collaborated on the 2019 NEWdOG album, “The Power of Distance,” as well as (with Paul Godwin) “Samliku” (NEWdOG 2018). They are also members of the new international ensemble project from Eternal Return “Once Only,” due out February 23, 2021 on NEWdOG.

Photo by Kaupo Kikkas

ABOUT ROBERT JÜRJENDAL
Robert Jürjendal is an Estonian guitarist and composer, studied classical guitar and composition (Anti Marguste) at Tallinn Georg Ots Music School. During 1992-1997 he participated in Robert Fripp Guitar Craft Courses. Robert has composed for classical and contemporary guitar, cembalo, mixed ensembles, choirs; documentaries, art exhibitions and theater, across genres from folk to post-rock to ambient-jazz. With more than 50 albums, his recordings and performances include: Tõnis Mägi, Riho Sibul, Celia Roose, Kaido Kirikmäe, Weekend Guitar Trio, Fragile, UMA, Markus Reuter, Tim Bowness, Jan Bang, Colin Edwin, Arve Henriksen, Jon Durant, Paul Godwin & Miguel Noya, Five Seasons, Vox Clamantis, Estonian Philharmonic Choir, Ellerhein Girls Choir etc.

Press inquiries:
Glass Onyon PR
Billy James
PH: 828-350-8158
glassonyonpr@gmail.com

About NEWdOG Records
NEWdOG Records releases fresh musical works by career ambient, progressive, post-rock, dream-pop and experimental artists from Europe, North and South America. Founded as a home for progressive ambient in the mid-'90s in San Francisco, the label found critical acclaim and a distribution home with Dave Allen's World Domination Records (WEA). Now available through Burning Shed worldwide.

For more information:
www.newdogrecords.com
Facebook @newdogrecords
https://www.facebook.com/Newdogrecords/
Instagram @newdogrecords
https://www.instagram.com/newdogrecords/
Bandcamp for Robert Jürjendal
https://robertjyrjendal1.bandcamp.com/
Soundcloud @newdogrecords
https://soundcloud.com/newdogrecords
Spotify @newdogrecords
https://open.spotify.com/user/newdogrecords

Lucifer’s Friend Guitarist Peter Hesslein Releases New Solo Album of Guitar Instrumentals Called 'Night Drive' – Out Now!

In the 50th Anniversary year of Lucifer’s Friend, the band’s guitarist Peter Hesslein has completed this new studio album of rock instrumentals called Night Drive.

Lucifer’s Friend reformed in 2015 and since then has recorded new studio albums and played concerts and high-profile festivals.

This new studio album is Peter Hesslein’s first solo album and will be popular with fans and guitarists alike.  The album has been released on Lucifer’s Records via Cherry Red.

Speaking about the album, Peter Hesslein said: “I dedicate this album to all artists who work at night, as their normal working hours, but then have to drive home.”

Track list:
1. TURN THE RADIO ON
2. SLOW DOWN A BIT
3. FEELING HUNGRY
4. LOOKING AT THE MOON
5. LONG WAY TO GO
6. BLINDED BY THE LIGHTS
7. WINDING ROAD
8. CLOSE TO MIDNIGHT
9. GETTING TIRED
10. TIME FOR COFFEE
11. A BEAUTIFUL NIGHT
12. EXIT THE HIGHWAY
13. CROSSING THE BRIDGE
14. HOME AGAIN
15. FALLING ASLEEP

To purchase:
Amazon CD: https://geni.us/NightDriveCD
iTunes: https://geni.us/NightDriveiTunes
Spotify: https://geni.us/NightDriveSpotify
HDtracks: https://geni.us/NightDriveHD  

Peter Hesslein’s official Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Lucifersfriendph/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Instrumentalist Elliot Nelson’s Debut Album “As He Now Appears” Pushes Music to the Brink of Sonic Creativity!

A blend of musical genres from electronic, jazz, ambient classical to experimental rock

Elliot Nelson is a British born instrumental solo artist, composer and producer from the north of England. Son of Be-Bop Deluxe frontman ‘Bill Nelson’, Elliot has grown up his entire life surrounded by music and creativity. His sound blends and bends musical genres from electronic, jazz, experimental rock, folk and classical. Pushing his music to the brink of sonic creativity in his debut album “As He Now Appears”. A journey taking you through warping ethereal melodies into the depths of dark and atmospheric soundscapes.

Says Elliot, “‘As He Now Appears’ is centered around the experiences we have in life which evolve and change us into who we are now. I used to observe how people around me changed in particular situations, around different people or different environments. I think it shows how susceptible we are as humans to everything, it’s like a cycle of change but somehow we always return to the same point, with more life under our belt.”

Elliot has played guitar and drums in numerous British underground bands in the past, namely ‘Honeytone Cody’, where he also collaborated in a joint writing venture with his sister Elle Nelson. The band quickly became one of the most popular underground bands in Britain, receiving airplay from John Peel, a remixed track by BBC Radio One DJ Kissy Sellout and a photoshoot with Mick Rock for a ‘Tommy Hilfger’ clothing range. Honeytone Cody disbanded in mid 2015 after 16 years.

From 2017-18, Elliot went on to form an avant garde musical project under the guise of ‘The Wolf and The Ape’, again another musical endeavour which received high praise from critics and musicians alike.

The Wolf and The Ape solely produced music for old silent films which included a 1920’s art film by Dziga Vertov, “A Man with a Movie Camera” and also Lottie Reininger’s short animation, “Cinderella”.

Now Elliot is releasing his first instrumental solo album, “As He Now Appears”, which encompasses an eclectic mix of music, using jazz, classical, folk, electronica to alternative rock. From track to track, it shows no bias to one particular genre. Stretching and pulling the music to sculpture an emotional narrative about the transition of time, change and life.

Says Elliot, “The album was incidental, instead of using something such as a journal or diary, I would use my music to express a certain point of time or event that would be happening in my life, I guess I used a similar motif to Sergei Prokofiev’s ‘Peter and The Wolf’, I would use a particular instrument to represent a person or creature within the narrative of what I was feeling, or an event I was experiencing. It was recorded over a course of 2-3 years, mainly using a laptop equipped with Ableton Live using various acoustic and electric instruments. The drums were recorded in old industrial mills in West Yorkshire, I’d either use a guide guitar or play against a drone or a sample of some sort. It would be all instinctive to how I felt, once the tracks took upon a certain emotional shape, everything else fell into place.”



Tracks:

1. As He Now Appears
2. Crusade of The Marionettes
3. Land of The Forgotten
4. Cats and Otherwise
5. Pierrot
6. Internally Set to Zero
7. The Ethereal Ballon
8. God's Pythons
9. From The Blonde to The Beast
10. The Black Dot
11. Beach Waltz

All music written, performed and produced by Elliot Nelson
Mastered by John Spence
Illustration and design by Elle Nelson

To purchase:
Bandcamp link: https://elliot8.bandcamp.com/releases
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-885623981

Social Media
Instagram: as_he_now_appears
Facebook: @elliot.as.he.now.appears
Twitter: @ElliotNelson19

Youtube channel
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeia8HSu3u6xo4BmkJ8dYFg?view_as=subscriber

Youtube Videos 
The Wolf and The Ape, 'Cinderella':

The Wolf and The Ape, 'A Man with a Movie Camera':

Honeytone Cody, 'White Queen':

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Drummer Dave Schoepke To Release Second Solo Drum Album "Tessellated Resonance" Aug 5, 2020

“Dave is a wonderful musician, extremely diligent and caring. He is musical, sympathetic to others around him and he listens!!!” -Martin Barre

Drummer Dave Schoepke, best known for his work with Jethro Tull legend Martin Barre, as well as The Willy Porter Band, will be releasing his second solo drum album “Tessellated Resonance” on August 5, 2020. The album comes on the heels of his critically acclaimed debut album from last year “Drums On Low.”

Dave Schoepke discusses “Tessellated Resonance”:

The prep for this album was driven by the quest to find my rhythmic connection to the environment, devoid of the trappings of my modern-day musical influences.

The story behind this album is not how I was able to connect those dots but rather how at this time the answer I was searching for ultimately eluded me. Instead, I found a greater sense of how I want my music to evolve, but right now that content isn’t informed by what I hoped it would be. I discovered new ways to approach my instrument and have a better concept of how to shape my music going forward than when I started this process. So, what didn’t I find?

I logged over thirty hours of field recordings of nature, traffic and other sounds from the environment in an attempt to capture content both natural and manmade, but not directly musical per se. In that regard, are there connections we are missing when we create music today? Are the modes of approach so inhibiting that we miss things that are more innate or are these just my perceptions and am I overthinking it?

Through this adventure I searched for sounds that spoke to me rhythmically and what I hoped would inspire new directions and concepts of approach. I was inspired by much of what I had recorded, and it brought forth higher degrees of introspection I had not tapped into the way that I envisioned I would.

The next element of sounds I was striving for came from recording my six-month-old son’s first syllabic attempts and rhythmic strikes with his hands and feet. I was curious to see if he would land upon any rhythmic patterns or cycles that might be settled in his DNA. While I wasn’t able to mine that content directly for this album, I still feel there is a way to get there and that the limitations are on my end…can I find a way to make a connection that can be reflected in a logical, musical way? That question still remains.

My attempts to record rhythmic connections to the environment became much more challenging than expected. I noticed that whenever I tried to get a recording of nature unimpeded without human intrusions, I was unsuccessful every time. I found it very difficult to get away from humans or human-made sounds, even with recording in a rural area. Unfortunately, I had finished recording the album when the Covid 19 Pandemic started, but I was able to stand outside and listen to nature with no humans or traffic sounds interfering. However, it was early March and still very cold in the upper Midwest, which in turn kept nature pretty quiet so I still couldn’t get any decent field recordings! The realization that it took a pandemic to bring down the din of humanity was pretty alarming to me. Even with my failed attempts, I still feel that through my research and exploration, I was inspired in other ways; I found some new ideas rhythmically, melodically, and thematically. All of which are a progression from where I was with “Drums On Low.”

I recorded over forty pieces of music on a diverse array of percussive setups ranging from a full range of just Roto Toms, to an expanded 1970’s Ludwig Vistalite kit, and traditional wood four and five-piece configurations. I also created some extreme kit setups made entirely of frame drums and micro percussion. However, the most unique variation was a bass drum with six snare drum ensemble. For this album, I spent a considerable amount of time shaping the melodic structure of the pieces and also searching for different combinations. Different tuning combinations set the pieces apart from one another while maintaining some unity.

All of the songs were recorded live with a modest recording setup with minimal mic’ing. For the recording, only seven channels were used, and no overdubbing or editing is done on the album. Songs like ‘Earth Calls,’ ‘Shorn,’ and ‘Voices Welcome’ show the diversity and drama that Roto Toms can project when interesting intervals are discovered. The six-snare drum array on the song ‘Currents,’ deploys a preponderance of snare content but maintaining a strong melodically driven concept. Other pieces like ‘Loomfixer’ and ‘Beyond The Slanting Surfaces,’ utilize traditional drum set pieces but focus on a centered melodic theme. ‘Nemophilist’ deploys a subtle melody subservient to the gorgeous interplay of birds from deep in the woods and devoid of human intrusion. (Finally!)

In the end, the release of ‘Tessellated Resonance’ marks the continuation of the ongoing dream to create solo drum music. I feel like through continued introspection, research and study, I will be able to follow the path that I am firmly set upon to connect to the world around me.

Dave Schoepke



Bio

Dave Schoepke is an accomplished drummer from the Greater Milwaukee area. He has been the drummer for The Willy Porter Band since 2002 with three acclaimed albums with Willy. In addition to recording and touring he has numerous television and radio appearances.

Dave has had the pleasure of working with the Legendary Jethro Tull guitarist Martin Barre. Dave toured with Martin’s band in 2017 and briefly in 2018. He appears on his “Live At The Factory Underground” album released in 2019.

His project, “Drums On Low,” has received acclaimed reviews from Modern Drummer, Recording Magazine, and numerous global on-line music critics. The 400th issue of Recording Magazine includes a multi-page feature of Dave’s process of writing and recording “Drums On Low.”

Dave is currently a full-time member and songwriter of the Milwaukee based Soul-Blues group Tweed. The band’s original take on the genre has made a strong impact internationally with numerous tours in Europe and consistent tour dates in the U.S. with strong radio airplay in the US and Europe.

Dave also heads up the improvisational recording project, Blank Radio, and is the chief engineer and curator of hundreds of sessions with musicians that help emphasize the energy to create free flowing music in real time. Additionally, he is an extremely busy session musician with over 50 albums to his credit. These albums cut across all genres of music. He has also done dozens of instructional CD’s for the Hal Leonard Corporation.

Dave has done dozens of clinics and educational based symposiums with legendary artists Ed Thigpen, Paul Wertico, Dom Famularo, Greg Bissonette, Ernie Adams, and Carmine Appice. He maintains a busy schedule of teaching, touring, clinics, and sessions, and is always striving to evolve in every facet of his music making.

Here’s what the press has said about Dave Schoepke’s debut album “Drums On Low”:

“This percussive music possesses and honesty and immediacy that emphasize the full resonant tones of the drums. Each piece explores its own set of ideas and themes, developing and building a sound world while providing both continuity and diversity.” - Martin Patmos, Modern Drummer March 2020

“‘Drums On Low’ is a drums-only affair that runs a spectrum from hypnotic tribalism to musique concrete and the avant-garde, with nods to modern jazz, rock, and orchestral moments in between. Many of the tracks have a distinct melodic voice highlighting the harmonic richness and depth of each drum” - Paul Vnuk, Recording Magazine Jan 2020

“Often as mysterious as a contemporary classical record that looks to push the boundaries, there have been some solo bass and solo sax records that intrigue and infuriate, sometimes both at the same time but this just drums along with an amazing amount of variety coming from a solo drum set. For the real purist.” - The Midwest Record July 2019

“Dave Schoepke continues to bring in international praise for his recent solo release ‘Drums On Low.’ I recommend this album for initiates to drum / percussion sounds or anyone looking to discover this through a particular and calm album. It is quite pleasant and relaxing to listen to.” -Music In Belgium May 2020

What’s next…

In support of “Tessellated Resonance,” Dave will be performing ongoing Facebook Live and YouTube shows showcasing the new and old music and when the pandemic eases up US Midwest and East Coast tours are planned as well as Europe. In November Dave will be releasing downloadable bonus tracks and bundles with the album through the German label Djummi Records http://www.djummi-records.de/

To purchase: www.daveschoepke.com



For more information:
www.daveschoepke.com
https://www.facebook.com/daveschoepkemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvVkqTMVgF6NG2mzxtGNanw
https://www.instagram.com/drumsonlow/
https://twitter.com/daveschoepke?lang=en

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Nick D'Virgilio Releases New Video & Single "Money (That’s What I Want)" From Forthcoming Album "Invisible"

Album special guests include Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) / Paul Gilbert (Mr Big, Racer X) / Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) / Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) / Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) / Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings / Steve Hackett) / Jem Godfrey (Frost*) and more 

A distinctive cover version of “Money (That’s What I Want)” has been made available as the second single from Invisible, the forthcoming new solo album by the American drummer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nick D'Virgilio (NDV). The first ever hit on the Tamla Motown label in 1959 has seen notable covers in the past by the likes of The Beatles and The Flying Lizards, with NDV stating: “I've always liked this song, with the original version by Barrett Strong being my favorite. I wanted my take on it to be dark and brooding with a cinematic sound, so I came up with a way to build an end with chords that kept climbing until a nice climax, while parts for orchestra were arranged that built a great sound on top. One of my favorite parts of the song is when I'm whispering a bunch of slang terms for money. I sang the whole song like a person that is going a little crazy and that section was a perfect fit.”

In regard to how the song fits into the narrative flow of Invisible, he explains: “Lyrically, the words fit perfectly. The song comes at the point in the story where the protagonist has decided to leave his dead end job and venture out into the world to try and discover the meaning of his life. He wanders into a shop and sees the person behind the counter looking dishevelled and depressed, prompting him to ask 'is everything OK? Why are you here? If it's that bad, why don’t you go home?' Those questions prompt the response that they need money. They are stuck in life’s trap just like him, and he swiftly realizes that he is not alone in feeling alone.”



Invisible is the second solo album by the California born but Indiana based NDV and comes almost two decades after his debut solo offering. He describes his new record as “a collection of songs that make up the story of a man who is unhappy with where his life has ended up. He finally decides to take the scary step of leaving everything behind so he can go and find the meaning of his life.” He continues: “Throughout my career I have been in many different places. Over time the word 'invisible' kept coming to mind and it got me thinking of people that truly have the hardest jobs in the world, or no job at all. The outliers. The ones we all take for granted. The ones we will never know but if they were not there then our lives would not be the nearly the same. Over time I amassed lyric and song ideas with the idea of writing a concept record on the subject.”

Keen to establish that “this is not your typical drummer record,” NDV states that “'Invisible’ is a rock album with various musical flavors thrown in because the songs were formed with the story in mind. A classical prelude that uses various themes from the whole piece sets the stage. From there comes a mellow ballad outlining the story and then it is on to the adventures of the central character. The main thing making this record did for me was to reaffirm my strong belief that we are all here for something. We all have a purpose.”

With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big, Racer X), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).

NDV's debut solo album, Karma (2001), had appeared midway through his tenure with US progressive rock titans Spock's Beard, with whom he started out as drummer upon their inception in the early 1990's before taking on additional lead singer and live frontman duties in 2002 for four studio albums prior to his departure in 2011. At the time, this was partly in order to continue touring as drummer, singer and assistant bandleader with Cirque du Soleil, with whom he played over 1400 shows over a five year period until 2014. He has also been the drummer with the award winning UK band Big Big Train since 2007 and performed with world renowned acts such as Genesis (appearing on the Calling All Stations album) and Tears For Fears (with whom he toured for over a decade).

Upon ending his stint with Cirque du Soleil, NDV relocated to Fort Wayne to become the face of the drum division of world leading music technology and instrument retailer Sweetwater Sound, explaining that “it has exploded and I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people while building new lifelong relationships. I've also had the chance to play on so much great drum gear – it is Disneyland in that regard! Many of my old bands and music compatriots have been there to record or do workshops, which is icing on the cake.”

The release of Invisible now begins yet another fascinating chapter in NDV's multi-faceted career, which he concludes “has taken many twists and turns. I have been able to live out some major musical fantasies, seeing some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It has been a wild ride that is not over yet!”

A full biography of Nick D’Virgilio can be downloaded here: bit.ly/3cJvX9N

NICK D’VIRGILIO (NDV) : photography by Erick Anderson (eafoto)

Nick D'Virgilio's Invisible will be released on June 26, 2020.



To purchase: 
www.nickdvirgilio.com/shop/
burningshed.com/store/english-electric-recordings/nick-dvirgilio_invisible_cd

For more information: nickdvirgilio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Nick D’Virgilio to Release New Solo Album 'Invisible' Featuring Members of Dream Theater, King Crimson, Supertramp, Cheap Trick, The Flower Kings & Others!

Special guests Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) / Paul Gilbert (Mr Big, Racer X) / Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) / Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) / Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) / Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings / Steve Hackett) / Jem Godfrey (Frost*) and more 

Invisible is the second solo album by California born but Indiana based drummer, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Nick D’Virgilio and comes almost two decades after his debut solo offering. D’Virgilio describes his new record as: “a collection of songs that make up the story of a man who is unhappy with where his life has ended up. He finally decides to take the scary step of leaving everything behind so he can go and find the meaning of his life,” before continuing: “Throughout my career I have been in many different places. Over time the word ‘invisible’ kept coming to mind and it got me thinking of people that truly had the hardest jobs in the world, or no job at all. The outliers. The ones we all take for granted. The ones we will never know but if they were not there then our lives would not be the nearly the same. Over time I amassed lyric and song ideas with the idea of writing a concept record on the subject.”

Keen to establish that: “This is not your typical drummer record,” D’Virgilio describes Invisible as “a rock record with various musical flavours thrown in because the songs were formed with the story in mind. A classical prelude that uses various themes from the whole piece sets the stage. From there comes a mellow ballad outlining the story and then it is onto the adventures of the central character. The main thing making this record did for me was to reaffirm my strong belief that we are all here for something. We all have a purpose.”

With the recording process split between the legendary Abbey Road Studios in London (including full string and brass sections) and the world class Sweetwater Studios in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Invisible boasts star turns from luminaries such as guitarists Paul Gilbert (Mr. Big), Rick Nielsen (Cheap Trick) and Carl Verheyen (Supertramp), bassists Tony Levin (King Crimson, Peter Gabriel) and Jonas Reingold (The Flower Kings, Steve Hackett), plus keyboard players Jordan Rudess (Dream Theater) and Jem Godfrey (Frost*).

Watch “Where’s the Passion” lyric video:

Nick D’Virgilio’s “Where’s the Passion” lyric video and NDV’s new website are both scheduled to go live on Friday May 1st at 9am PST / noon EST, 5pm UK, 6pm central European.



D’Virgilio’s debut solo album, Karma (2001), had appeared midway through his tenure with US progressive rock titans Spock’s Beard, with whom he started out as drummer upon their inception in the early 1990’s before taking on additional lead singer and live frontman duties in 2002 for four studio albums prior to his departure in 2011. At the time, this was partly in order to continue touring as drummer, singer and assistant bandleader with Cirque du Soleil, with whom he performed over 1400 shows over a five year period until 2014. He has also been the drummer with the award winning UK band Big Big Train since 2007 and performed with world renowned acts such as Genesis (appearing on the Calling All Stations album) and Tears For Fears (with whom he toured for over a decade).

Upon ending his stint with Cirque du Soleil, D’Virgilio relocated to Fort Wayne to become the face of the drum division of world leading music technology and instrument retailer Sweetwater Sound and states: “The drum division at Sweetwater has exploded and I have had the opportunity to meet a lot of very interesting people while building some new life-long relationships. I’ve also had the chance to play on so much great drum gear – it really is Disneyland in that regard! Many of my old bands and music compatriots have been there to record or do workshops, which is icing on the cake.”

The release of Invisible now begins yet another fascinating chapter in D’Virgilio’s multi-faceted career, which he concludes “has taken many twists and turns. I have been able to live out some major musical fantasies. I have seen some of the highest highs as well as some of the lowest lows. It has been a wild ride that is not over yet!”

Nick D’Virgilio’s Invisible will be released on June 26, 2020.

To purchase: www.nickdvirgilio.com/shop/

For more information: nickdvirgilio.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Curved Air Original Founding Member Darryl Way Announces the Release of His New Solo Album "Destinations" - Out Now !

Darryl Way is the co-founder of CURVED AIR, a trailblazing rock violinist and composer.

“Destinations” is the new studio album by Darryl Way and features ten new rock instrumentals, with a variety of influences and sound effects enriching the style and delivery of the pieces.

Darryl Way said of the new instrumental album “'Destinations' a collection of 10 pieces that set out to conjure up images of far off and exotic locations like Antigua, or imagined settings like Metropolis or Mystic Mountains. Like my previous album 'Vivaldi's Four Seasons in Rock', 'Destinations' could be described as programme music, music that evokes atmospheres and impressions.”

Mostly set in the 'Rock' genre, Darryl introduces himself as a guitarist on this album, as well as performing in his more familiar role as a violinist

The album is available to order here: Amazon CD: https://geni.us/Destinations

For more information: http://www.darrylway.com/

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 828-350-8158 (USA), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Italian Music Artist Annie Barbazza To Release Debut Solo Album "Vive"

Featuring Greg Lake, Fred Frith, Daniel Lanois, John Greaves, Paul Roland and others!

Italian music artist Annie Barbazza is releasing her first solo album “Vive” on February 29, 2020 on Dark Companion Records. She was a young drummer in love with progressive rock when Greg Lake discovered her talent as a singer and wanted her on stage with him for the concert which would later become the posthumous “Live in Piacenza”. Again Lake produced “Moonchild”, the duo with pianist Max Repetti for Manticore Records where she sang many songs formerly sang by Lake with ELP and King Crimson. If these were the beginnings of Annie’s career, now she is a rising star of the international Avant/Prog scene. Her friendship with John Greaves (Henry Cow, National Health) leads her to collaborate permanently live with the Welsh musician and to collaborate on his latest albums (“Piacenza” for Dark Companion and “Life Size” for Manticore).

Another one of her stable collaborations is the one with legendary writer-singer-songwriter Paul Roland with whom Annie regularly performs live as a bassist and singer and in the studio also as a drummer. Of extraordinary success both with critics and audiences is the recent collaboration with the North Sea Radio Orchestra as main vocalist in “Folly Bololey” (Dark Companion), the tribute to Robert Wyatt which triumphed at Rock In Opposition festival and at Cafe Oto in London, the cradle of new music. In studio she collaborates, among others, with Giorgio Fico Piazza and with Warm Morning Brothers, while live she performs together with artists such as Eugenio Finardi, Osanna, Robyn Hitchcock and many more, in addition to the ones afore-mentioned.

This album has a long history: Greg Lake originally wanted Annie to played all the instruments, but the record slowly turned into an all-star friends collaboration for most of them asked Annie to be part of it, from Fred Frith to John Greaves, from Lino Capra Vaccina to Daniel Lanois and Paul Roland. All tracks are original with the exception of two tracks written for her by John Greaves and Paul Roland and a cover of the splendid Blegvad / Greaves classic, “How Beautiful You Are”.

Who know Annie is aware of her elusive, shy nature. By these songs she gave voice to her inner ghosts and dreams, desires and fierce creativity.

An intimate, courageous, innovative album in which the many influences and musical styles of Annie melts together. Producer Max Marchini wanted to keep as immediate as they were conceived and played, avoiding overengineerings and over arrangements. The result is a collections of songs that span over the years working on which the many sides of the sparking, incredible voice of Annie Barbazza are the main character.

The album cover is visual artist William Xerra’s design. The album was recorded and produced at legendary Elfo Studios in Tavernago (Italy), in audiophile quality.



“I think if you can have any gift in music, the greatest gift is to be a singer. Annie’s unique voice is at the same time beautiful, brave and heartfelt.” - Greg Lake

“Annie is a phenomenon. She has a big voice and big heart and she’s eager to learn. Those are the characteristics of all the great musicians I’ve worked with. I can’t wait to see what she does next!” - Fred Frith

“I am in awe of Annie’s numerous gifts; her mellifluous voice, her mastery of so many instruments and most surprising of all - her incredibly diverse range of influences from classic rock to ambient and beyond. Not to forget her impeccable taste in cover versions!” - Paul Roland

“I’m very proud to know Annie as a dear friend. One day, on stage, on the radio in your kitchen, on the net or wherever you chance to hear her, you will know how great she is.” - John Greaves

Tracklist:
01. Ys (Barbazza) 4:12
02. June (Barbazza) 3:52
03. From Too Much Love Of Living (Greaves/Swinburne) 2:39
04. Time (Barbazza) 1:25
05. Nebulæ (Barbazza) 3:00
06. Wrote Myself A Letter (Roland) 6:23
07. How Beautiful You Are (Greaves/Blegvad) 4:22
08. Lost At Sea (Barbazza) 2:35
09. Phantoms (Barbazza) 3:20
10. Tide (Barbazza ) 2:10
11. Les Ruines Du Sommeil (Barbazza) 4:10
12. Lotus Flower (Barbazza) 3:33
13. Boîte à Tisanes (Barbazza) 3:42

Recorded, Mixed and Mastered by Alberto Callegar at Elfo Studios, Tavernago (PC).
Produced by Max Marchini

Annie Barbazza
with
Camillo Mozzoni
Daniel Lanois
Franz Soprani
Fred Frith
Greg Lake
John Greaves
Lino Capra Vaccina
Max Marchini
Michael Tanner
Olivier Mellano
Paolo Tofani
Paul Roland
William Xerra

Annie Barbazza
Vive
Dark Companion Records
DC 013 - Limited edition first press golden gatefold mini LP CD
DCLP013 - Limited edition gimmix cover colored audiophile Vinyl and golden CD with an original artwork insert by William Xerra
first press of 500 CDs and 300 individually hand numbered vinyl
Released  February 29, 2020

To purchase: http://store.maracash.com/advanced_search_result.php?keywords=annie+barbazza+vive&search_in_description=1&x=0&y=0

The vinyl first press will be available worldwide only directly from the website here: http://store.maracash.com/product_info.php?products_id=528

Exclusive International Distrubution and Mail Order: www.maracash.com


www.darkcompanion.com
info@darkcompanion.com

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158 (US), glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Focus Bass Player Udo Pannekeet Announces the Release of His New Solo Album 'Electric Regions' - OUT NOW!

Electric Regions is the latest solo album by the current bass player of FOCUS and skilled composer, Udo Pannekeet.

The album features an epic length track, along with new compositions written throughout Udo Pannekeet’s career and recorded here for the first time.

The album features guest appearances by current Focus guitarist Menno Gootjes and a former member of Focus, Eef Albers.

Udo Pannekeet said of the album: “I'm so pleased to finally share this music with you! I worked on it for quite a while. Thanks to the amazing musicians I worked with on the album, it has become more than I could have imagined. I'm humbled by the beautiful reactions I received so far from all over the world!”

The album is the tenth release on the band’s own IN AND OUT OF FOCUS RECORDS, via Cherry Red.

TRACK LISTING:

1. ELECTRIC REGIONS PART ONE
2. INTEGRATION YES
3. LITTLE NURA
4. THE ANTIBES SITUATION
5. COCON COCON

The album is OUT NOW and available via the below links:

CD edition: https://geni.us/ElectricRegions
GooglePlay: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsGP
iTunes: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsiTunes
Spotify: https://geni.us/ElectricRegionsSpotify

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Magma's Simon Goubert Releases New Album "NOUS VERRONS..."

Featuring Stella Vander of Magma!

The voice has always been part of Simon Goubert's life.

First, in the theater background of his childhood, it was spoken in all its forms. Sometimes whispered, other times recited, in the end it was always applauded.

Then it was sung. Whether divine when illuminating György Ligeti’s Lux Aeterna, velvety as Billie Holiday’s or husky like Tina Turner’s, the voice has always transported Simon Goubert... all the way to his meeting Magma.

His ten years collaborating with Christian Vander, whose music revolves around voices, have taught him to fine-tune this very special instrument.

Throughout his career, Simon Goubert has always used the voice, be it singular or plural, subtle or orchestral. But for this album, the musician wanted the voices to be front and center: Stella Vander giving life to Pierre-Michel Sivadier’s lyrics, Annie Ebrel elevating Breton poems and, finally, American rapper and slam poet Mike Ladd.

The instrumentalists are also an eclectic group of kindred spirits, first-rate artists met by Simon Goubert over the decades.

These musicians, whom Simon has always admired, excitedly embarked on this new journey with him. To succeed in this unprecedented adventure, these performers and improvisers have pooled together all of their know-how.

Gathered around Simon Goubert, these artists form an extraordinary band with Michel Edelin (flutes), Vincent Lê Quang (saxophones), Sylvain Kassap (clarinets), Sophia Domancich (piano), Emmanuel Bex (organ) and Hélène Labarrière (double bass).

With all of those talents combined, Simon Goubert has delivered his most beautiful album: the one that most resembles him.

Watch the album trailer:

To order: https://www.seventhrecords.com/en/catalogue-ex-tension-33/simon-goubert-nous-verrons--1290.html

Press inquiries: Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com

Bruce Soord, The Pineapple Thief Frontman, Premieres New Video For "All This Will Be Yours" - Title Track From New Solo Album on KSCOPE Oct. 25, 2019

Ahead of the release on 25th October, of the new solo album, All This Will Be Yours from Bruce Soord, the multi-instrumentalist, songwriter and frontman for The Pineapple Thief, Soord has revealed his video for the title track.

Take a good look
As all this will be yours

WATCH THE VIDEO FOR “ALL THIS WILL BE YOURS” HERE

The new album, described by Soord as an observational record, it is inspired by the joy felt by the birth of his third child juxtaposed by the local deprivation in his hometown and with the release of the title track Soord explores these themes more “This song was literally inspired by walking with my new-born daughter in my hometown of Yeovil. I love my hometown, but it's got its fair share of problems. I was taken by the contrast of this smiling soul staring up from her pram, surrounded by lost souls. Drunks, addicts, the hopeless. Near me is a notorious drug den. No windows, no electricity, no running water. But nevertheless, it is a hive of activity. Lifeless addicts drifting in and out. So our only choice was 'to push past 158'. Myself, turning a blind eye. The community turning a blind eye.  But don't get me wrong, I love my hometown. And the people in it. All this will be hers.”

Bruce continues “The video was created by George Laycock and produced by Blacktide Phonic/Visual, who I’ve worked with previously, was shot in London rather than Yeovil as a way of, hopefully,  reflecting the universal themes of the song. Talking of the themes, they are not universally bleak. There is plenty to be worried about. But there really is plenty to be hopeful for as well”.



Tracklisting:
1. The Secrets I Know [02:24]
2. Our Gravest Threat Apart [04:14]
3. The Solitary Path Of A Convicted Man [03:44]
4. All This Will Be Yours [06:04]
5. Time Does Not Exist[03:33]
6. One Misstep [04:00]
7. You Hear The Voices[06:54]
8. Cut The Flowers[04:35]
9. One Day I Will Leave You [05:17]

All This Will Be Yours will be released on CD, LP, digitally and as a deluxe hardback book 3 disc edition featuring the album on CD, with an extra CD of acoustic re-workings and bonus studio tracks plus a DVD with All This Will Be Yours as a Hi-res 24/88 WAV stereo album, Hi res 24/88 WAV acoustic album and Hi res 24/88 WAV bonus studio tracks, all of which will also be available in 24/88 DTS 5.1 surround. PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE
https://brucesoord.lnk.to/AllThisWillBeYours

Hi-res images available here: www.kscopemusic.com/media/brucesoord
Photo credit: Steve Brown www.stevebrowncreative.com

Press for Bruce Soord – the debut album:

“He’s created something remarkable” - Classic Rock

“A journey that would please fans of Floyd and Steven Wilson” - Total Guitar

“Soord has genuinely created something truly outstanding” - Prog

“Deceptively simple, emotionally rich, this album shows Soord at the peak of his powers” - Echoes and Dust

Bruce Soord has confirmed he’ll be supporting his new album with live shows beginning early next year – look out for more dates to be announced soon:

Jan 25 – NL – De Cacaofabriek, Popzaal, Helmond
Mar 20-21 – NL – Prognosis Festival – Eindhoven

THE PINEAPPLE THIEF will be playing their first ever North America tour in November and December 2019:
Nov 19 - Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
Nov 20 - Charlotte, NC - Neighborhood Theatre
Nov 21 - Baltimore, MD - Baltimore Soundstage
Nov 22 - Philadelphia, PA -  Union Transfer
Nov 23 - New York City, NY - Sony Hall
Nov 24 - Boston, MA - The Sinclair
Nov 26 - Quebec City, Canada - Palais Montcalm
Nov 27 - Montreal, Canada - Corona Theatre
Nov 28 - Toronto, Canada - Mod Club
Nov 29 - Cleveland, OH -  Beachland Ballroom
Nov 30 - Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom
Dec 1 - Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
Dec 3 - Guadalajara, Mexico - C3 Stage
Dec 4 - Mexico City, Mexico -  Lunario del Auditorio Nacional
Dec 6 - Englewood, CO - Gothic Theatre
Dec 8 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom
Dec 9 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
Dec 10 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
Dec 12 - Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre
Dec 13 - Vancouver, BC, Canada - Rickshaw Theatre
Dec 14 - Seattle, WA - Neumos

Bruce Soord online:
Facebook, twitter & Instagram: @bsoord

The Pineapple Thief online:
Website: www.thepineapplethief.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thepineapplethief
Twitter: www.twitter.com/pineapplethief
Instagram: www.instagram.com/thepineapplethief
Spotify: https://play.spotify.com/artist/4lrBMUSk8PiNnCEZfsmPAk
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLE6401DB011BD837E
Apple Music: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/artist/the-pineapple-thief/id278648772

Press inquiries (North America): Glass Onyon PR, PH: 1-828-350-8158, glassonyonpr@gmail.com